Adolescent alcohol use is associated with public health problems including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, violence, illicit drug use and adult alcoholism. The 1998 Monitoring the Future Study reported that 23% of U.S. eighth graders used alcohol during the past 30 days and 14% binge drank during the past two weeks. 1997 YRBS data show that alcohol is the most commonly used drug among Washington, D.C. adolescents. In 1999, focus group data from 12-17 year olds (N=124) in Washington, D.C. punctuated adolescents' extensive use of and exposure to alcohol. Also in 1999, adolescent primary healthcare providers (N=29) across five managed care offices in Washington, D.C. completed questionnaires about their beliefs regarding alcohol use among their adolescent patients and their frequency of adolescent alcohol use assessment and prevention counseling. About 71% of providers believed that alcohol use was a moderate or big problem among their adolescent patients. The proportion of providers reporting infrequent (half-the-time or less) alcohol use assessment with 12-13, 14-15, and 16-17 year olds was 54%, 25% and 11%, respectively. The proportion of providers reporting frequent (often or always) adolescent alcohol prevention counseling using verbal information, role-play, problem-solving, parental support, and take-home materials was 43%; 0%; 11%; 46%; and 21%, respectively. These data suggest that providers may benefit from support for addressing widespread alcohol use risk among young adolescent patients.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the extent of alcohol use among U.S. adolescents based on two or more data sources 2. Identify two or more components of effective adolescent preventive/risk-reduction counseling regarding alcohol use 3. Articulate scientific evidence that health care providers may need information and technical support to enhance their response to alcohol use risk among young adolescents
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Alcohol Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.